Peace in the Storm

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Today's Treasure: "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid' " (Matthew 14:27).

(Amanda writes) Matthew 14:22-33 tells a story most of us have known since childhood. As children we loved the story because Jesus walks on the water. Can you still picture this scene on the wall of your first grade Sunday school room? This event holds even more value for us than the wonder of Jesus and Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee. It shows us a picture of the peace of Christ.

How thrilling it would have been for the disciples, nearly seasick from the buffeting of the waves, to see a figure coming toward them in the middle of the night. But they weren't exactly thrilled. Scripture tells us they were terrified and cried out in fear. The disciples went from being terrified to worshipping Christ for being Lord over the waves and the wind. Matthew 14:32-33 says, "And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'"

(Beth writes) We see the peace of God so vividly in the wonderful account. First, we see that Christ purposely created circumstances in which He could reveal His majesty. The last place one would seek safety in a storm would be in a boat...separated from all visible signs of security! The hour of the night indicates how long they had struggled against the wind that had risen in the early evening. Without a doubt, they were at the end of their physical strength and were mentally exhausted. Notice, Christ did not run to their rescue. He walked. Just picture the contrast with me: Christ approaches at a nice and easy pace while the disciples are scurrying and screaming, "It's a ghost!"

According to this account, Matthew 17:7, and Matthew 28:1-6, we have one, and only one, reason not to fear—the presence of Christ in our circumstances; but He is more than enough reason. He was reason enough for Peter to step out on the water. As long as his focus was straight "toward Jesus," Peter remained on top of the waves, but then he began to sink. What happened? Why couldn't Peter stay afloat through the power of Jesus Christ? Because Peter switched his focus to his circumstances while Christ remained tightly focused on His destination. Then came Peter's fear...the same kind of fear that binds weights to our ankles and submerges us in the waves of surrounding circumstances.

What happened when the waves threatened Peter's life? "Immediately Jesus" (v.31). No more walking toward Him. He was there—in an instant. I believe it noteworthy that God parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Jordan River for Joshua, but when the Master of the Seas approached, He simply climbed the waves and walked. Christ didn't change His circumstances to make them bearable. He mastered them at the peak of their impossibility. Yes, Christ had perfect peace in the storm.

Dear Jesus, I confess that so often I want You to fix my problems and difficult circumstances immediately. Most of the time I don't realize my peace truly comes from Your presence, not comfortable circumstances. Thank You for rushing toward me in my time of need. I love You and need You so much. Amen.

Adapted from Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore, pages 98-99. Nashville: LifeWay Press, 1998. Used by permission.